Festivals
Date
Sharad Purnima / Kojagari
Relevant Timings
Nishitha Kalam & Pradosha Windows
Nishita Kalam
26 Oct, 12:33 am – 1:21 am, 26 Oct
Pradosha Kalam
25 Oct, 6:57 pm – 8:33 pm, 25 Oct
About
Sharad Purnima, or Kojagari Purnima, is the harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of Ashwina. It is believed that on this night, the moon showers 'Amrit' (nectar) on the earth.
Significance:
The moon is at its brightest and closest to the earth on this night. It is said that Goddess Lakshmi roams the earth, asking 'Ko Jagari?' (Who is awake?), blessing those she finds awake and worshipping her with prosperity.
Rituals & Puja Vidhi:
1. Kojagara Vrat: Devotees stay awake the entire night, singing bhajans and meditating. 2. Kheer Offering: Kheer (rice pudding) is prepared and left under the moonlight for several hours to absorb the lunar energy before being distributed as prasadam. 3. Lakshmi Puja: Special prayers to the Goddess of Wealth are performed at midnight. 4. Rasa Leela: In many regions, the day is celebrated as the night when Lord Krishna performed the divine dance with the Gopis.